Feeling constantly irritated with 3yo

[DIYandEatCake]

Let me start be saying I'm trying my very hardest not to let it show and to be calm and positive , and to be firm with boundary -pushing.
But dd (just turned 3) is driving me bonkers at the moment. The whinging, the amateur dramatics over the smallest problem, the constant 'whhhhhhyyyyy?', the bossiness 'mummy wipe my nose NOW!' The wanting to go out somewhere then just complaining when we get there, the amount of cajoling needed just to get dressed.... Any tips on how to make things a bit more enjoyable?! (Thought I'd try a bit of rough & tumble, tickling etc in the garden yesterday - 'No mummy you're doing it all wrong you've got to do it YIKE YIS! Waaaaah you hurt my tummy (with a light tickle apparently...) waaaaahhhh' had to actually walk away and take a few deep breaths).

Mine is the same. I'm convinced it's because he needs more sleep since he dropped his nap. I try and pick my battles, so go along with most of what he wants (within reason) and save my energies for the big stuff like holding hands on the road etc.

If he does start whining, I try to make him laugh to snap him out of whatever he's stressing about, but he has a very keen sense of toilet humour so I usually just have to mention the word "poo" or "bum" and it works. It is exhausting though.

I think it's the three stages. My girl 3.5. Can be the same lately. I want all the time, can we do this, that all day long. Stomping her feet and shouting. Asking for things all the time. Very irritating. I guess they're just learning that they're their own person with likes and dislikes and jut like to push buttons.

If I'm sat having five minutes peace (like now) having a cuppa whilst newborn sleeps and dd2 playing she will just be in my face, asking and asking for things. Craving attention.

I think she just seeks approval maybe? I try to give them all my attention where needed but surely I should be entitled to five mins peace lol

You're not alone